Obituary of Assunta Tortola

Assunta Tortola, a woman of unwavering faith in God, peacefully passed away at the age of 89 on July 19, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose presence on this earth will be deeply missed.

Assunta’s faith in God was a guiding force throughout her life, and it was evident in the kindness and love she showed to all who knew her.

Her dedication to her husband, Salvatore Tortola, was a cornerstone of her life. Together, they built a strong and loving family that stood as a testament to their enduring bond. Assunta’s love for her children, Clelia Duronio and Sam Felice Tortola, knew no bounds. She cherished them and their spouses, Leonello Duronio and Romina Tortola, as if they were the greatest gifts in her life.

Assunta leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion in her grandchildren, Antoinette Duronio (Lucio Franceschelli) Laura Carcelen (JJ Carcelen), Matthew Duronio (Sabrina Duronio), Alexa and Brooklyn Tortola. Her eight great-grandchildren, Max, Iole, Domenico, Malena, Gabriel, Marziano, Alessio, and Giuliano, adored her sweetness and kindness, and will always carry her memory in their hearts.

She was the adored sister of the late Ersilia (Vincenzo) Debenedictis, and the beloved sister-in-law to Domenica and Frank Tortola, Maria and Salvatore D'Agostino, and Vincenzo and Filomena Tortola. Assunta is greatly missed by many nieces and nephews.

Known for her culinary skills, Assunta was an amazing cook whose meals brought her family together around the table. Assunta also worked in housekeeping at Hotel Dieu Hospital for 29 years. She was a hard worker, embodying resilience and determination in everything she did. As the last of her generation, Assunta’s presence was a link to the past and a source of wisdom for the future.

Born in Miranda, Italy, Assunta bravely immigrated to Canada with her daughter Clelia in tow to reunite with her husband who had gone ahead to seek a better life. Together, they turned dreams into reality, creating a home filled with love and laughter. Assunta’s legacy lives on through the family she nurtured and the values she instilled in them.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the staff, residents, and families of residents of Huron Lodge, who were also a part of Assunta’s life and shared in the grief of our loss: in particular, Louise and Lisa, who treated mom like their own, and Kathleen, who always kept us virtually connected when we were away.

In honoring Assunta Tortola's memory, let us remember her unwavering faith, unconditional love, and enduring legacy. She touched the lives of many and will forever be remembered as a shining example of strength, grace, and compassion. May her soul rest in eternal peace as she is reunited with her loved ones in heaven.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 22nd 2024, from 4:00-9:00pm at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home South (3048 Dougall Avenue) with prayers at 7:30pm. Visitation continues Tuesday, July 23rd 2024 at Corpus Christi Church (1400 Cabana Road West) from 10:00am until time of Funeral Mass at 11:00am.  Entombment at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens (1805 Highway 3) to follow. Donations in Assunta’s memory may be made to The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County or the Windsor Cancer Center Foundation, if desired. Condolences and cherished memories may be shared at www.windsorchapel.com.

To join the Funeral Mass via livestream click here.